Sa Kaeo Province is a lush corner of Thailand strewn with national parks and ancient Khmer temples. You can hike on scenic jungle trails, discover rugged canyons and swim in serene waterfall pools. In towns like Aranyaprathet, you'll find colourful markets and sizzling street-food stalls.

Things to do

Escape to Pang Sida National Park, a wildlife-rich nature reserve known for its colourful butterflies, cascading waterfalls and emerald pools. Scenic hiking trails wind through the jungle and offer a unique chance to spot rare birds, such as the banded kingfisher and oriental pied hornbill.

Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, Sdok Kok Thom is an ancient Khmer temple dating back to the 11th century. It was built using sandstone and laterite, a rock known for its rich red hue. You're welcome to stroll around the grounds, visit the inner sanctuary and admire the intricate stone carvings.

Geology buffs will love visiting Ta Phraya National Park, where you'll find a natural phenomenon known as "Lalu". Formed by wind and water erosion, the rock formations have been carved into dramatic shapes and patterns. The terracotta-coloured rocks look striking against the deep-blue sky.

The laid-back town of Aranyaprathet is a great base for exploring Sa Kaeo Province. It's home to the bustling Rong Kluea Market, where more than 3,000 stalls sell clothes, electronics and toys. If you're hungry, bite into street-food fare like mango sticky rice, pad Thai and fresh fruit smoothies.

Getting around

The town of Sa Kaeo is easy to get around on foot or by using local tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis. Trains run from Bangkok to Sa Kaeo in around five hours, while long-distance buses run to provinces across Thailand. Sa Kaeo is also a popular base for crossing the Cambodian border.